A Flowery Song

Background: Is evidently part of a line called “Sandpiper”, though there's no indication of this on the bottle. 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay go into this traditionally styled sparkling wine.

Appearance: Agglomerated cork with two discs of solid cork on the bottom. Pours a light peach with a hint of pink.

Nose: Strawberries and cream, toasted pecans.

Taste: Medium-light body, zesty acidity and the barest hint of sweetness. Biscuit and apple present.

Overall: Quite drinkable, and great quality for the price.

Background: This sparkler comes to us from the sunny Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan. A non-vintage blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Gris. After fermentation, the wine is blended with older reserve wines before undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle, and aged en tirage before degorgement. Cuvee 107: en tirage January 2005, degorgement November 2006.

Presentation: Green champagne bottle. Pours a clear, very light straw. 12% ABV.

Nose: Crisp apple aroma with hints of grapefruit.

Taste: Clean and light, with a crisp fresh fruitiness.

Overall: Very good. The low price combined with elegance and balance make this an excellent buy.

Background: Trader Joe's “exclusive” bottling, imported by Banzai Beverage Corporation, Torrance, CA. Produced by Ume no Yado, a small brewery in Nara prefecture. Originally called Tsuki Usagi (Moon Rabbit), this is a sparkling junmai sake, with 40% of the rice polished away.

Presentation: 330ml blue bottle, with an intriguing ring-pull top. Pours a cloudy, pale straw. Nucleation sites produce streams of small bubbles. 7% ABV

Nose: Very fruity, mainly pears and citrus.

Taste: Sweet and fruity, with a lightly sour acidic bite. Short, somewhat floral finish.

Overall: I'm not sure what to make of this. It's definitely a cut above Trader Joe's still sake, which is produced by a different brewery. Fairly easy to drink. I'll tentatively recommend it; if you like sake or champagne, give this a try.